Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that originated during the early Hellenistic era (circa 300 BC). It flourished throughout the Roman and Greek world until the 3rd century A.D. Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Epictetus, and Emperor Marcus Aurelius were prominent promoters of stoicism. However, Christianity became the religion of the state during the 4th century and stoicism rapidly declined. Over the years, stoicism has experienced some periods of revival, notably during the Renaissance (Neo-Stoicism) and during the modern era (modern stoicism). Contents: Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Letters from a Stoic Epictetus, Discourses and Selected Writings Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of The Emperor